What are Japan's main objectives for TICAD 9 in terms of strengthening its partnerships with African countries, considering Japan's significant role in Africa's development over the past years and the increasing competition from the US, European, and Asian nations? Which specific sectors or industries will Japan prioritise in its co-operation with African nations, particularly in areas such as investment, infrastructure, technology, and innovation?
TICAD is not merely a bilateral platform between Africa and Japan. It is rather a multilateral forum and platform. For example, TICAD includes multilateral partners with co-organisers such as the African Union Commission, the UN Development Programme UNDP, the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa and the World Bank. While Japan is a driving force to organise TICAD, its essence lies in multilateral partnerships, fostering exchanges of views, bringing and catalysing new ideas and opportunities for collaboration. Japan strives to stand out by strengthening TICAD's uniqueness: its inclusiveness, multilateral nature, and openness.
Now, returning to your question on Japan's diplomatic engagement with Africa: we have been supporting regional integration and cooperation in the continent while taking a tailor-made approach in respective countries and regions. TICAD tries to address the interrelation of peace and security, economic development, and social development. Our overarching vision is to promote human-centred prosperity through a sustainable and inclusive economic system.
For example, Japan has been implementing various projects worldwide through JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency. For TICAD 9, our approach is to co-create initiatives together with our African partners, while also engaging with interested global stakeholders to mobilise resources, including domestic resource mobilisation for implementing and scaling innovative ideas and projects. We aim to share best practices and collectively generate impactful solutions.
Regarding societal development, Japan, despite having limited natural resources, has always prioritised human capital development.